As you know, we ended 2012 with an exciting victory over eighth-ranked LSU in the Chick-fil-A Bowl, and as an added bonus, it was ESPN's most viewed non-BCS bowl game ever! Thank you to the coaches, staff and student-athletes who worked hard in preparation for this game. Also, we want to send a huge thank you to all the Tiger fans that were in attendance. It was a special evening that the Clemson family will long remember!

As we start 2013, there is much athletic activity ahead. All of our sports, with the exception of football and volleyball, are either competing or in final preseason preparations. I hope that each of you continues to support the efforts of our student-athletes as we begin this New Year.

Personally, I must take a moment to say thanks to all who have been so kind to my family and I as I begin my journey as Clemson's Director of Athletics. The excitement I felt in late October when I was selected for this position has been fantastic, and I look forward to meeting many of you this spring during the IPTAY Prowl and Growls!

We have challenges ahead, but they are manageable and we will strive with every decision to strengthen our athletics enterprise. During the coming months and years, you will hear the terms enterprise and investors. The enterprise is built upon the unique and strong partnership of the University auxiliary unit known as Clemson Athletics and the truly outstanding fundraising arm known as IPTAY. Keeping this enterprise vibrant is the key to a successful athletics organization. The investors are each of you who generously support our programs by allowing our coaches to coach and student-athletes to compete. Without our investors, program growth and success cannot be attained.

In the coming issues of My Orange Update, I plan to share the various happenings inside and outside our Athletics enterprise, including but not limited to NCAA and ACC issues, academic and service achievements, financial information, facility plans, ticket offerings and deadlines, and athletic awards. I know we will have much to discuss!

I am honored to be a Clemson Tiger! With your help, I look forward to making Clemson Athletics the best it can be.

I welcome your comments at athldir@clemson.edu. I am now also on Twitter (@ClemsonDRad), and while I do not tweet with great regularity, there will be interesting information shared from time to time. Finally, while I cannot answer every email that is received, please know they will all be read and I appreciate your feedback and investment in our program.